How an Industrial Robot Arm Transformed a K-3 Science Fair
At Apex Industrial Automation, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond—whether solving challenges for our clients or sparking curiosity in the next generation of innovators. Recently, our engineer Noah Lohman helped turn a classroom “show and tell” into a K-3 science fair, bringing the excitement of industrial automation to life.
A Twist to Show and Tell
When Noah received an invitation from a local elementary school teacher to present at a “show and tell,” he saw an opportunity to make a lasting impression. Noah wanted to demonstrate a robot Apex is working on for a customer, the Omron TM5 industrial collaborative robot arm.
Instead of simply walking into the classroom with the robot, Noah worked with the teacher to transform the day into a full-blown science fair. He wanted to create an experience inspiring students to think big about technology and innovation.
Setting the Stage for Curiosity
Working hand-in-hand with the teacher, Noah helped organize the event, which included hands-on activities and a presentation of the Omron TM5 industrial robot arm in motion.
The Omron TM5 robot arm became the star of the show. Designed for collaborative work environments, the TM5 is known for its precision and versatility in industrial settings. For the students, though, it was pure magic. Noah programmed the robot to perform simple, captivating tasks, demonstrating the fundamentals of industrial automation in ways the kids could easily understand.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Innovation
Noah aimed for the science fair to be an inspiring demonstration of how automation plays a role in our daily lives. His efforts showed the students that industrial automation, like the system integration and design engineering work at Apex, isn’t just for factories and production lines. It’s a gateway to problem-solving, creativity, and exploration.
Students rotated through science stations where they could learn and interact with other STEM-related tools. Noah’s initiative became a community effort, sparking curiosity and encouraging teachers and parents to join the fun.
A Reflection of Apex’s Values
The team at Apex Industrial Automation isn’t just passionate about technology; we’re committed to sharing that passion with others. Whether in a classroom, a client’s facility, or a design challenge, we always look for ways to innovate and make a positive impact.
Noah’s experience is a perfect example of the creativity and initiative that drives our work in design engineering, including control panel fabrication, system integration, and retrofitting. Apex cares about providing solutions, understanding the needs of our customers, adapting quickly, and delivering more than what’s expected.
A Vision for the Future
For Apex, this isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a glimpse into how we approach challenges and opportunities. The same spirit that turned a classroom presentation into a science fair is what we bring to every project we tackle. Whether we’re integrating a robotic system into a client’s production line or designing a custom solution from scratch, our goal is to be the partner that always goes above and beyond.
By the end of the day, the kids were excited about technology and engineering, and teachers were brainstorming ways to bring more hands-on STEM education into the classroom. As for the Omron TM5, it had found an unexpected but enthusiastic new fanbase.
Building the Future Together
At Apex Industrial Automation, we believe in building bridges between challenges and solutions, between teams and technology, and even between classrooms and the world of industrial automation.
Let’s start a conversation if you’re looking for a partner who brings that same ingenuity and dedication to your project. After all, when passion and purpose come together, anything is possible.
866-924-2808
Call us anytime, 24/7.
Text 774-APEX-NOW
Text Apex at (774-273-9669)
Email repair@apexindustrialautomation.com
Email Apex to get the support you need.
